An attraction develops between Zankie and Joaney, resulting in jealousy from another man interested in her, Ben, a parolee and "graduate" of the center.

A patient who manages to get high on cough medicine is persuaded by Zankie to share it, leading to a tragic end.

As he experiences a reaction to the drug, Joaney watches in horror; seconds later, Zankie is dead from the overdose.

A. H. Weiler of The New York Times was positive: "Richard Quine, who produced and directed this new arrival ... has glaringly spotlighted residents of this West Coast haven for the dope and alcohol enslaved, with results that are arresting and informative.

... Mr. Quine and his troupe achieved authenticity and a documentary quality simply by filming their story at the actual Synanon House on the beach at Santa Monica, Calif."[3]